Summary
The multigenre paper is truly unique and a creative way to get students to research a topic. This article gives a wonderful alternative to writing a research paper. The only problem that teachers seemed to have when using it was that it was hard to grade, because of the different genres used. Research papers are good, but with all the technology around us, research papers are out of date. Students are getting bored with them and so are teachers. The creativity that is used for this engages and interests the students so that they can truly learn from what they are researching. His creativity of this project allows the students to practice writing using the different types of genres and reading them. The students’ view of the multigenre paper was that they enjoyed doing it; they loved the creativity that it allowed them to use. Students’ were also very surprised about all the time that they spent on it. From a teacher’s standpoint, it was hard to grade, because of some of the questionable plagiarism and lack of information. So some of the teachers decided to use a learning log so that the students could write down their research, and some teachers use endnotes and a bibliography. When these were used these problems seemed to dissipate. This article gave a wonderfully explained alternative to the traditional research paper.
Thinking Questions
1. Is a rubric appropriate way to grade a multigenre paper?
2. Are there any ways to accommodate exceptional students?
3. How could a science and math teacher use the multigenre paper?
Comment
I think that this is a wonderful idea and could be used in any class. I can see students making a scrapbook full of information in creative ways and actually enjoying the project. I wish that the article would have given more description to how each one was graded. I think that these projects would be much more fun to grade rather than the traditional research papers. Overall I think that this article done a wonderful job describing how to assign, make and show a multigenre paper. The only thing that I was disappointed about was how did the teachers grade each one and what were the justifications.
Theo Ramsey said,
June 3, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
I agree, the grading needs some work.
Theo Ramsey
Rodney Pyatte said,
June 4, 2008 @ 4:10 am
I really liked the ideas for the multi-genre paper !! It is something different and the grading will come along first couple of times will have to be a judgement call from the teacher
Rodney Pyatte
trathenwr said,
June 4, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
1. A very explicit rubric is an effective way to grade such a project.
2. These activities are helpful for EC students.
3. Science is easier than math for this approach. But I have seen both work.
Woody Trathen
rbwilson0824 said,
June 5, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
I have used individual components recommended for incorporation in the multi-genre paper, including the eulogy, obituary, letter and wanted poster. They worked well, and appeal to students, but I never considered using a compilation of them to create a large project. I agree with Dr. Trathen — as with any big project, the grading rubric is key, both for the students and the teacher. It makes life much easier. Roberta Wilson
Erin McIntosh said,
June 5, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
I had the same question about grading. I feel that it would have to be very specific yet very open for interpretation. I think this type of project is definitely helpful for EC students, especially those who have difficulties with expressing their ideas through writing.
Erin McIntosh
sj78444 said,
June 6, 2008 @ 2:54 am
I liked this idea also. I found myself trying to think of a class I could use it in. The grading does need some work though.
mandyjennings said,
June 6, 2008 @ 3:53 am
Amanda,
I think that this type of exercise would be very helpful for EC students, even more so than a “formal” paper. It would give the student more room to show that they have learned other than just writing a paper. The only problem that I could see with EC students is either searching for information (they may need a little help) or students who need structure. You may have to provide a little more guidance, but I think that most of them would enjoy a chance to be good at something.
Mandy Jennings